THE ORCHID MUMBAI VILE PARLE OPENS ITS REFURBISHED WHISKEY LOUNGE AND BAR - MERLIN’S

The Orchid Mumbai has opened its newly refurbished whiskey lounge and bar - Merlin’s which is aesthetically made to elevate customer experience and leave a high impact on consumers.

The comfortable seating, vibrant colours of royal blue comfortable chairs and electric red bar stools make it look happening and want to come repeatedly. It's a perfect cozy setup with elegance personified and makes the guest feel completely upbeat. The bricked-style wall with Merlin's logo ensures to meet the eyeballs of the guest.

At Merlin's, guests can croon their way to some of the melodious vibes along with some delectable food and classic drinks. The venue hosts Karaoke nights during the weekdays and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Drawing crowds of all ages it offers varied karaoke song tracks from regional classics, Bollywood to English.
Merlin’s is an ideal venue for hosting kitty parties, birthday celebrations, get-togethers, private parties, and other memorable engagements. The theme and event can be customized as per guest expectations so that it perfectly complements the uniqueness of the occasion. 
The bar is well stocked with 99 different premium whiskeys, which are called from different parts of the world that give an upbeat look and feel to this exceptional lounge. Japanese whiskeys like Yamazaki single Malt, Hibiki Suntory, and Tenjaku whiskey will pamper your drinking soul to the next level. Monkey Shoulder from Scotland, Dewars aged 8 years, 12 years, 15 years, and even 25 years is also rare and found at Merlin's. Irish spirits like Teeling and Bushmills are a complete treat by themselves. Chivas Regal aged 25 years is a rare gem to find and is available at Merlin's.

Merlin’s is a must-visit place for those who love the vibrant ambiance, and acoustic music, paired with the rarest single malts and whiskey, and for folks looking to bring out the singer in them. 

Visit: https://www.orchidhotel.com/

Fortune Hotels sets foot in Kanpur

This is the brand’s fifth alliance in the state of Uttar Pradesh after Ghaziabad, Noida, Aligarh, and Lucknow

Kanpur, February 2023: Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group has further expanded its reach into Uttar Pradesh with a new alliance in Kanpur. The upscale hotel chain’s existing bouquet in the state includes Ghaziabad, Noida, Aligarh, and Lucknow.

Located on NH91, in close proximity to all the main attractions of the city including ISKCON temple, the Kanpur Zoological Park, and the business district, the premium hotel, slated to open in the winter of 2025, is strategically poised to be an ideal choice for corporate travellers and city residents alike.

To be branded as Fortune Park, the upscale hotel will feature stylish and spacious rooms with modern amenities that would help guests relax and unwind. Offering a mix of indoor and outdoor dining venues, large banquets, compact meeting room, and wellness facilities this hotel is being prepped to be a perfect spot for weddings, social get-togethers and business conferences alike.

Commenting on Fortune Hotel’s expansion spree in India, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Hotels said, “These are exciting times for us as we continue to expand our reach in India. Uttar Pradesh is a significant growth market for us and hence, the need to enter its biggest city, Kanpur with our fifth entity. The city is a thriving commercial and industrial market and has huge growth potential in the years to come. Naturally, it that makes for a perfect place to bring in our hospitality expertise.” 

Settled on the banks of the river Ganges, Kanpur has one of the busiest railway stations in the country and has good transport infrastructure of roads and metro and institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Indian Institute of Pulses Research, etc. Famous for fine-quality leather, textile, and plastic products in the commercial market.

Gladful bags 3-shark deal worth Rs 50 lakh at Shark Tank

A food and beverages startup, Gladful with a vision to change the course of health and nutrition for Indian children & families aims to build a 500-crore functional food brand in India by 2026

National, February 2023: Gladful, a Jaipur-based startup, well-positioned to become an iconic family & child nutrition brand in India, has received a Rs 50 lakh investment in the second season of the well-known business reality show Shark Tank India from "sharks" Aman Gupta, Amit Jain and Namita Thapar. The sharks loved the products and agreed to the prevailing protein deficiency in India. The business accepted the joint offer for 3.5% of the equity.

In India, more than 73% of the urban population lacks enough protein and the majority of protein brands target the health-committed gym-goers which causes protein deficiency to afflict typical families with children for whom there are no options on the shelves. 

Gladful, founded by two siblings – Ms. Parul Sharma and Mr. Manu Sharma, aims to bridge the prevailing nutritional gap and provide protein to Indian families by creating a portfolio of easy-to-consume foods which are high in this macronutrient and making school tiffin boxes, early morning meals healthier and easier with highly distinctive protein pre-sprouted mixes, protein cookies, and dates & nut-based desserts.

This FMCG brand, backed by Antler India, Huddle, Shiprocket, and Angel investors such as Shantanu Deshpande (Bombay Shaving), Ankita Vasisht (Strongher Ventures), Pawan Nanda (Winzo Games), aims to cross 15 crores in FY23 with its key offerings (high protein & fiber versions of foods) along with distribution expansion into quick commerce as consumers increasingly want proximity to their favorite foods. The duo started with 3 SKUs and currently has 14 SKUs in 3 categories, all of which claim a serving of 4–8g of protein which is roughly 25% of an 8-year-old's requirement. In addition, they plan to launch 1 new category in the protein breakfast range.

“Gladful was an epiphany that arose from a personal pain point. We are committed to build a brand where nutrition and taste could co-exist. Gladful is poised for exponential growth and becoming the quintessential family & child nutrition brand in India with its solid growth trajectory, functional economics, and influential investors.”, says Parul Sharma, Co-Founder of Gladful.

This FSSAI-approved brand incorporates superfoods like sprouts, amaranth, millets, peas, brown rice, and lobia into its distinctive offerings. Gladful is concentrating on developing wholesome, protein-rich foods for families. Their goal is to create high-protein and high-fiber versions of dishes that are currently seen on Indian dinner tables for everyone, not just athletes.

About Gladful:

Gladful is India’s one and only plastic-neutral family-friendly protein brand. Launched in Jan 2022, with the vision to create the foods you crave with the protein you deserve. Their founders have vast experience working in hi-growth startups and hold strong 14 years of experience in the FMCG sector. 

Gladful is established around critical occasions like school tiffin boxes and everyday breakfast with healthier and more accessible protein pre-sprouted mixes, protein cookies, and dates & nut-based desserts.  In the current line-up, there are 14 SKUs under 3 categories, all of which promise a serving of 4-8g of protein. They are backed by Antler, Huddle, StrongHer Capital, and marquee Angel Investors in India. For more information about Gladful visit: https://gladful.in/

Scoot will steadily resume flights to and from China and other popular summer holiday destinations

Resumption of flights to cities in China, starting with Haikou, Nanning, Ningbo, Shenyang and Xi’an More flights to China, Athens, Perth, Langkawi, Manado, Sapporo and Tokyo New flight schedules released for Scoot’s Pikachu Jet

National – Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), will steadily resume flights to and from China to accommodate strong travel demands in line with the further relaxation of border restrictions. Scoot will also be ramping up flight frequencies across its network, particularly to destinations that are popular for summer travels in Australia, Greece, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia.

Since travel restrictions were lifted globally in 2022, Scoot has resumed most of its pre-Covid routes, increased flight frequencies to ensure its capacity matches demand and expanded its network with the launch of new destinations such as Jeju, Lombok, Makassar, Miri and Yogyakarta.

China

From now until the end of Northern Winter 2022 (25 March 2023), Scoot will progressively increase its total flights to China from 14-times weekly to 26-times weekly by stepping up flight frequencies to seven of its existing points, comprising Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Tianjin and Zhengzhou.

The pace of resumption continues into the Northern Summer period, which spans 26 March to 28 October 2023. Scoot will resume flights to Haikou, Ningbo, and Xi’an in April 2023, bringing the total number of weekly flights to China to 42 times weekly by the end of April 2023. With services to Nanning and Shenyang resuming in May 2023, customers can look forward to 57 times weekly flights to China by the end of June 2023.

Other Network Updates

Scoot will increase flight frequencies to travelers’ favorite warm-weather destinations, just in time for customers to plan their summer travels. Flight frequencies to Athens will increase from two times to four times weekly, flight frequencies to Perth will increase from 10-times to 12-times weekly, flight frequencies to Sapporo through Taipei will increase from three times to four-times weekly and flight frequencies to Tokyo through Taipei will increase from 10-times to 12-times weekly. Closer to Singapore, flight frequencies to Langkawi will increase from four times to seven-times weekly and flight frequencies to Manado will increase from three-times to four-times weekly.

 Some adjustments will be made to optimize resources and accommodate other operational considerations. In particular, Scoot services to the Gold Coast will be suspended after 17 July 2023 (the last flight out of the Gold Coast). Customers with existing bookings will be notified of their options.

New Schedules for Pokémon Air Adventures Flights

Pokémon Air Adventures, a partnership with The Pokémon Company, continues to be well sought-after by Pokémon fans and others looking for unique experiences. In February 2023, Scoot launched these inaugural themed flights on the Pikachu Jet to Bangkok. In March 2023, the Pikachu Jet will make its way to Taiwan. Customers can choose from eight scheduled flights in March 2023 and six scheduled flights in April 2023. For more information on the Pikachu Jet schedule, please refer to Scoot’s website.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Offers Eco-Friendly “Green Weddings”

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Offers Eco-Friendly “Green Weddings”

In an effort to spread the environment-friendly message to the next level and involve the community at large, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain has introduced the concept of Green Weddings. These eco-friendly weddings encourage wedding couples to solemnize their nuptial ceremonies by ensuring minimal harm to the surroundings.

Says Noshir A Marfatia, Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing, “We all know Indians love celebrating marriages. There is a tremendous amount of waste that happens during this time. However, there is a sizable number of people who want to prevent wastage without compromising on anything.”Elaborating further on the concept, he adds, “The idea is that luxury should not be compromised at any cost, but the damage to the environment should be prevented.”

 There is a whole list of guidelines that have been prepared. Some of the highlights of the Green Wedding are eco-friendly invitations, an eco-friendly venue, reusable décor, outdoor marriage functions, no cut flowers for decoration, no food wastage, zero plastic use, utilizing local vendors, etc to name a few.

There is a huge eco-wedding market that has not been properly tapped, and since we are an environmentally sensitive hotel chain, it is only natural for us to move in this space, Noshir points out.

Booking.com now available in Hindi

Mumbai, February 2023: Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel companies, today adds Hindi as a language option to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. The Hindi language version will be available across all Booking.com platforms - mobile, web, iOS and Android app - making it accessible to Hindi speakers globally. Travellers will now be able to read the detailed information, find deals and discounts, view their bookings, manage their accounts and more with ease.

With the addition of Hindi, Booking.com is now available in 46 languages and dialects around the world, enabling native-speaking travellers to explore the world and experience travel that is local, authentic and unique. 

To enjoy the Booking.com experience in Hindi, users will need to change the language preferences in their account: Manage Account > Preferences > Languages.

For Booking.com accommodation partners, the launch of Hindi on the Extranet and Pulse app (both iOS and Android) will enable them to access and manage all relevant information about their property in their preferred language and reach out to a much broader audience in their local language.

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives & Indonesia at Booking.com commented, "With the easing of travel restrictions, Indians are keen to travel and explore the world once again. We have also seen that domestic travel in India has been growing year on year. At Booking.com, we are constantly looking for ways to take the friction out of travel. Integrating the Hindi language on our platform is a great example of how we not only want to enhance the traveler experience but also help our partners connect and unlock a larger travel audience. India is a priority market for us in the Asia Pacific; and I am proud that we can help even more Indian consumers search and book their travels with greater ease.”

About Booking.com

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com.

Hyatt Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results

Hyatt Hotels Corporation reported fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results. Highlights include:

• Net income was $294 million in the fourth quarter and $455 million for the full year of 2022. Adjusted net income was $278 million in the fourth quarter and $365 million for the full year of 2022. Net income in the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2022 includes a non-cash benefit of $250 million due to the release of a valuation allowance on U.S. federal and state deferred taxes.

• Diluted EPS was $2.69 in the fourth quarter and $4.09 for the full year of 2022. Adjusted Diluted EPS was $2.55 in the fourth quarter and $3.28 for the full year of 2022.

• Adjusted EBITDA was $232 million in the fourth quarter and $908 million for the full year of 2022. Apple Leisure Group ("ALG") contributed $43 million of Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter and $231 million for the full year of 2022.

  • Adjusted EBITDA does not include ALG's Net Deferrals of $28 million and $94 million, and Net Financed Contracts of $15 million and $63 million, in the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2022, respectively.

• Comparable system-wide RevPAR increased 34.8% in the fourth quarter and 60.2% for the full year of 2022, compared to 2021.

• Comparable owned and leased hotels RevPAR increased 41.7% in the fourth quarter and 87.6% for the full year of 2022, compared to 2021. Comparable owned and leased hotels operating margin improved to 27.9% in the fourth quarter and to 27.1% for the full year of 2022.

• All-inclusive Net Package RevPAR was $190.64 in the fourth quarter and $187.28 for the full year of 2022.

• Net Rooms Growth was 6.7% for the full year of 2022.

• Pipeline of executed management or franchise contracts was approximately 117,000 rooms, inclusive of ALG's pipeline contribution of 8,000 rooms.

• Share repurchase activity was approximately 1.15 million shares repurchased for $106 million in the fourth quarter and approximately 4.23 million shares repurchased for $369 million for the full year of 2022.

Mark S. Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyatt, said, "Our results in the fourth quarter mark the completion of a truly transformative year. We generated a record level of fees and free cash flow while leading the industry in organic growth for a sixth consecutive year. This outcome is a direct result of successfully executing on our asset-light growth strategy. We continue to experience positive momentum in the markets in which we operate and are optimistic about the year ahead."

TOURISM AUSTRALIA AND SINGAPORE AIRLINES ENTER MOU TO BOOST BUSINESS EVENTS TO AUSTRALIA

Mumbai, February: Tourism Australia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a new three-year marketing agreement aimed at promoting business events travel to Australia. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Tourism Australia and Singapore Airlines will jointly deliver a range of marketing and promotional trade activities within Asia and the United Kingdom to promote Australia as the ideal destination for business events. The activities will highlight Australia’s strengths as a world-class business events destination including its iconic and diverse landscapes, award-winning venues, unique experiences, and friendly people with fresh perspectives.

Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager of Eastern Markets and Aviation, Andrew Hogg said, “Singapore Airlines is one of our longest-standing airline partners and I am thrilled we are working together once again to promote why there’s nothing like Australia for business events. Business events are incredibly valuable to Australia’s visitor economy and strategic partnerships such as this, help to secure future business for Australia”.

Prior to the pandemic business, events were a strong performing sector for Australia with 1.04 million arrivals, spending A$4.5 billion for the year to 31 December 2019.

Ms JoAnn Tan, Senior Vice President of Marketing Planning, at Singapore Airlines, said, “Australia has always been an attractive and popular destination for both leisure and corporate travellers, and Singapore Airlines remains firmly committed to keep Australia connected to the world. With our 111 weekly services between Singapore and seven points in Australia, coupled with our extensive passenger network, we are pleased to support efforts in promoting business events travel to Australia.”

The announcement complements recent Tourism Australia initiatives in the business events sector, including the new business events brand campaign, There’s Nothing Like Australia for Business Events, which was recently rolled out in Greater China. The campaign features a new creative strategy that shows how Australia has everything you would expect from a business event destination, plus so much more.

Tourism Australia is also ramping up its business events distribution activity, providing qualified planners, agents and media with the opportunity to experience Australia first hand. This includes the recently announced Business Events Australia Asia Mega Famil Showcase, which will be held in April with host city partner BESydney and Tourism Australia’s incentive showcase Dreamtime, which will be held in November 2023 with host city partner Business Events Adelaide. 

ISLAND ROMANCE AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES, KUDA HURAA

Serene Island Living with Maldivian Charm 

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa invites you to celebrate your love with their beautiful Island Romance Package valid from February 2023 to December 2023. 

Gently rising from a sheet of turquoise, at Kuda Huraa it’s hard to tell where the ocean ends and sky begins. As captivating beneath the waves as above them, you can embrace these stunning surroundings that bring you closer to the sea and its secrets. Discover the welcoming embrace of a lagoon, flower gardens, a private spa island and spacious new Beach Pavilion hideaways in a charming village setting at these unforgettable locations. 

The Island Romance package from the hotel is valid for stays of more than 4 nights and especially designed for just you and your loved one in this intimate garden paradise with gourmet food, spectacular sunsets and the reassurance of intuitive Four Seasons service. Romantic getaways don't get more perfect than this.

The package includes round-trip airport transfers by shared speedboat between the Velana International Airport and Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa for two guests. The rates are inclusive of daily breakfast in Café Huraa, a bottle of champagne in your villa on arrival and to make your celebration memorable, a candlelight dinner for two guests.

Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels will now deliver epicurean delicacies through the Club Marriott South Asia mobile app to its customers

The new feature was launched with Bollywood celebrity Kriti Sanon in Mumbai

Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels (MBOW), Marriott International’s online food delivery program, has integrated with the Club Marriott South Asia app and the Club Marriott website.

Mumbai February 2023: Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels (MBOW), Marriott International’s online food delivery program, has integrated with the Club Marriott South Asia app and the Club Marriott website. Club Marriott is Marriott’s dining membership program in Asia Pacific that offers its valued members a range of services and accommodation benefits at over eighty hotels within South Asia. In addition to providing real-time table reservations, with this new service extension guests and members can now indulge in decadent menus from award-winning restaurants such as Adrift Kaya (JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity); Koishii (The St. Regis Mumbai) and Ukiyo (The Ritz-Carlton Pune) to name a few, through the Club Marriott South Asia app or the website. 

Through the Club Marriott South Asia app and the website, customers can instantly order their meals, opt for an easy takeaway, or gift a meal to their loved ones customized to their taste and preference. Design-led, with an easy and intuitive user interface, the app also comes with the added benefit of Marriott’s food pairing recommendations. The curated menus will feature a wide variety of dishes, including appetizers, entrees, vegan-friendly specials, and sinful desserts handcrafted by Marriott’s expert chefs. Club Marriott Members will be entitled to ongoing benefits for the services provided.  Guests can enjoy the app experience with a 15% discount using code MBOW15 for 2 weeks from 27th January - 12th February 2023.

Ranju Alex, Area Vice President - South Asia, Marriott International said, “At Marriott International, we constantly push innovations across the board to enhance guest experiences with our elevated offerings. Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels, our online food delivery programme has witnessed significant success since its inception. Integrating this service to the Club Marriott South Asia app widens and extends our diverse F&B portfolio to our guests, giving them the luxury of experiencing a wholesome luxe home dining experience with comfort and ease”.

Leading Bollywood actress, Kriti Sanon announced this integration at a pop-up launch event in Mumbai. The evening had her engage with guests and food aficionados, while she self-ordered her all-time favourites - Indonesian Nasi Goreng, Korean chicken burger and a brioche bun with gochujang sauce through the Club Marriott South Asia app and thoroughly enjoyed her perfectly delivered meal.

Similar activations were done in Bangalore & Delhi respectively with a fun and exclusive MBOW pop-up experience at Orion Mall (Bangalore) on 3rd February and Cyberhub on 4th February ( Delhi ) respectively.

Sharing her thoughts on the occasion Kriti Sanon said, “As a brand, Marriott International has always stood out with its innovative food & beverage concepts. Marriott Bonvoy on Wheel's food delivery platform is an extension of their culinary repertoire. I am very pleased to announce the integration of Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels into the Club Marriott South Asia app. In our fast-paced lives, this app is the perfect solution to all our food needs. User-friendly and customised to taste, it's set to bring signature dining experiences to the comfort of our homes”.

Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels has rolled out several specially curated signature menus comprising fine dining specialities alongside comfort food favourites. Leveraging on the strong network of the Marriott hotels and marquee restaurants gives it a distinctive edge within the food delivery space. Today, MBOW delivers across 30 cities from more than 80 restaurants in South Asia. Integral to this service is the Marriott brand promise of stringent safety and hygiene checks while preparing, packaging and delivering these meals within record time.

Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels is available across Marriott hotels in Mumbai such as The St. Regis Mumbai, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, The Westin Mumbai Garden City, The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake and Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport.

Mainland China restaurant Completes 30 years in the industry

With completing 30 years in the industry, the Mainland China restaurant unveiled a new look and new menu at its Andheri outlet, and celebrate it's culinary milestone

~Completing 30 years in the industry, Mainland China Restaurant redesigned its Mumbai Restaurant and Launched a New Menu!~

Mainland China, one of Mumbai's most popular and well-loved Chinese restaurants, has just undergone a massive revamp! The restaurant has been completely renovated, and now boasts a sleek and modern look. In addition to the new décor, Mainland China has also introduced a brand new menu with a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes to choose from. Whether you're craving dim sum, noodles, rice, or something else entirely, Mainland China's new menu has something for everyone. And of course, the restaurant's signature dishes – are still available. 

The new Mainland China will be bringing along a breath of fresh air, Crafted Cocktails that are a recipe to the perfect companion to the food that will sweep you off your feet. Dumplings, Sushis, and so much more that we’re so excited to share with our family. The new menu is developed keeping in mind the faith of our loyal patrons and the new generation. All of this and so much more to offer without a change in our price range, with an enhanced experience at this outlet.

Now, it's not just the cuisine that will transport you to another world. 

Welcoming the patrons with a bar with state of the art cocktails, an open kitchen that leaves aromas into the restaurant & an intimate seating that allows conversations & celebrations. Of craftsmanship, and the collective spirit of our patrons with team Mainland China, the cocktails are a vision of artfully created masterpieces. Contemporary ideas, unexplored ingredients, remarkable concoctions, everything and more you need to be at the bar for.

The new, refreshed ambiance that Mainland China is bringing to you comes with a touch of the young, contemporary along with the traditional essence of China. An evolved bar, for you to explore our innovative cocktails. The ambience, the music, the re-designed bar will uplift your senses and take you on an oriental odyssey. 

Avik Chatterjee,Exec. Director of Innovation and New Formats & Whole-Time Director at Speciality Restaurants, "We believe this contemporary change is a remarkable milestone for Mainland China. After being the most beloved destination for over 3 decades, we're now all set to welcome a larger group of patrons, from all age groups because there is something for everyone. The food on the new menu is well-researched, curated, and explored for you to now explore. The classics that were loved by our patrons are also there. The cocktails are crafted into a unique experience in every glass. The ambiance is something that fits and celebrates all your moods and reasons to be here in Mainland China. To sum it up, Mainland China: Plates of good food & people full of stories. A culinary treat unlike any other."

Mainland China is an established name in the hospitality industry in India. With a legacy that dates back to 1993, Mainland China has always been known for serving authentic Chinese cuisine. In a bid to offer a unique experience to their patrons, Mainland China launched and revamped their restaurant in Mumbai and with that, also completed 30 years in the industry. The restaurant is now open for business. So come on down to Mainland China and check out the new menu today!

Karnataka showcases its eco-tourism hotspots to G20 delegates from 30 countries

Bengaluru, February 2023: Delegates from 30 countries visited the  Bannerghatta National, the Kalkere Arboretum, and Jungle Lodges & Resorts on  Thursday as part of the series of events organized by the Environment and  Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG). During this excursion, curated  by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Karnataka, the State showcased its  models for the restoration of forest eco-systems and the different types of  forests curated at the arboretum.  

At Bannerghatta, the delegates visited the famous butterfly park and a short  animal safari curated for them, where they were able to learn about Karnataka’s  sustainable ecotourism model. The Globally acclaimed “Wild Karnataka” movie  was screened for the delegates at Jungle Lodges & Resorts. The visit is part of  India’s efforts to shift focus to the climate-change challenges and towards  sustainable models of development such as eco-tourism, which can play a vital  role, and will balance the needs of the growing economy with necessary  measures for protecting the environment. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. V Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Director, Karnataka  Tourism said "Karnataka has an abundance of natural beauty including the Western Ghats, a site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mountain  range is renowned for its great diversity of flora and fauna. The state has 35  wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks. It is also home to over 100 species of  animals, and 600 species of birds, including 524 tigers and over 6000 elephants,  making Karnataka, truly India’s wildlife capital. Today, the G20 delegates were  given a short insight into the state's rich biodiversity and stunning wildlife during  the excursion". 

The excursion was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate  Change in association with the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Karnataka,  Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, Jungle Lodges and Resorts,  Bannerghatta National Park and the Karnataka Forest Department.

Hapusa x Soy Como Soy present: LAYERED DINING TABLES

Pune, Feb 2023: Situated in Pune, Soy Como Soy, is known for its Nikkei cuisine that promises to indulge plates and palates in textures, aromas, and flavors like never before. This February, the restaurant is all set to collaborate with popular homegrown gin, Hapursa for a concept called 'Layered Dining Tables' on 17th & 18th February 2023. 

The collaboration includes a bespoke 4-course experience blending Hapusa cocktails inspired by the Himalayas with an eclectic mix of regional cuisines, all of which come together to shape the food culture of one of Delhi’s famed “underground” chefs – Kaushik Ramaswamy of Bela Gulab. 

The menu consists of an hors d'oeuvre along with Hapusa Gin cocktails, both Vegetarian and  Non-Vegetarian menu options are available.

This is going to be an evening where we ask what really is “Indian food”. The typical Indian household is hardly a thorough-bred affair anymore. It is in a state of constant evolution with more inter-cultural marriages and interactions than ever before. The newness of this mixing means that the resulting cultures and traditions aren’t a single homogenized mixture of the different elements yet, and instead co-exist in a multi-layered state. These layers,  each bring their own, differentiated flavors, aromas, and techniques which we can pull apart or consume all in one bite to create something new and surprising.  

Other Information: 

Venue : Soy Como Soy, Pune

Date & Time: 17th & 18th Feb,2023 |  7.30 pm onwards

Address: Ground Floor, Golden Nest Coop Society, Near Royal Orchid Golden Suites, Kalyani Nagar, Pune Contact: 9865437291

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort Accepted Into Global Luxury Travel Group Virtuoso

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort has been accepted into Virtuoso®’s exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprising over 2,300 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. The inclusion in Virtuoso will present new sales and marketing opportunities to the network’s 21,000 luxury travel advisors and their highly desirable clientele. Virtuoso agencies worldwide sell an average of (U.S.) $28–$32 billion annually, making the network the most significant player in luxury travel.

Feel the Tropical Romance at Atmosphere Kanifushi

Pamper your beloved with an unforgettable romantic escape to the Maldives this Valentine’s Day with Atmosphere Kanifushi’s premium all-inclusive plan - KANIFUSHI PLAN™. Enjoy your time on the island with your partner as you take a walk on the beach with views of the skies which seem like painted sunrises melting into fiery sunsets and relish oh-so-stunning delicacies under a starlit sky. 
The KANIFUSHI PLAN™ stands out as it elevates the regular Maldives all-inclusive packages to a new level by offering a combination of sumptuous buffets with delectable international cuisine, fine dining experiences, and theme night dining options at their 8 distinguished dining outlets, Teppanyaki Grill, Ceylon Bliss, Pier Six, The Spice, The Liquid, The Sunset, Just Veg and their restro-bar The Lantern Bar. The plan also offers unlimited orders from a selection of premium brands of spirits, wines from the world over, and a variety of classic and signature cocktails prepared by talented bartenders. The exquisite dining experience is clubbed with an array of activities, excursions, and adventures ranging from sunset fishing to snorkeling and non-motorized water sports. Assuring a fun-filled and hassle-free tropical beach holiday experience. 
Nested in the surroundings of tall palm trees and a lush garden overlooking the Indian Ocean, Akiri Spa by Mandara offers guests the ultimate relaxation. The exclusive spa menu features an array of treatments intertwining spa traditions from India, Bali, Hawaii, and Thailand.
Go on an adventure, devour culinary delights or relax in splendid luxury as you get serenaded by the white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees alongside your loved one. Feel the tropical romance and save 20% with the all-Inclusive Offerings of the Kanifushi Plan™ which makes for the perfect getaway this Valentine’s Day.

Link to website: https://www.atmosphere-kanifushi.com/offers/feel-the-tropical-romance/

Celebrate the year of rabbit with a new menu at Taki Taki, Lower Parel

National January 2023: New Year marks fresh beginnings and getting together with your loved ones. To celebrate this joyous occasion and welcome the new lunar year - Taki Taki Mumbai has curated a special menu featuring some delectable Cantonese dishes and exquisite drinks.

It's the year of the rabbit and the rabbit symbolism elegance, beauty, and luck. Food plays an important role in Lunar New Year celebrations and the culinary team at Taki Taki has introduced a menu that symbolizes peace and longevity. This special menu will be

available from 22nd Jan to 5th Feb, 2023 

The menu features an array of dishes like Jade Seafood Soup, Oriental Mushroom Bao, Philadelphia Cream Cheese Dim sum, Spinach & Prawn Dim sum. Small plates include Wok Fried Shimeji Mushroom, Shredded New Zealand Lamb, Cantonese Style Lotus Stem, and Wild Caught grouper Fillet, to name a few.

From the mains, you can pick Baby Pokchoy, Tsing To Lamb Shanks, Wok Tossed Tiger Prawns and pair them up with Spicy Mock Meat and Taro Root Fried Rice or Wok Tossed Udon Noodles. You can end your meal with the special Chinese Mooncake and Youtiao.

The menu also includes theme-based cocktails like Carrot Punch, White Rabbit, and Orange Dragon that will make your dining experience even more special. 

The restaurant is also giving an assured gift voucher to all the diners dining between 22nd Jan to 5 Feb.

 Welcome the year of the rabbit at Taki Taki with the celebratory dishes and usher in new beginnings.

Other Information:

Date: 22nd January to 5th 

Time:12 pm to 12.30 am

Address:World Crest, Unit no.1A & 1B, Lodha, Upper Worli, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013

To reserve: 7400491480

PRIDE HOTELS GROUP SIGNS ‘PRIDE HOTEL KANPUR’

Pride Hotels Group has announced the signing of "Pride Hotel Kanpur". Centrally located the property will be easily accessible to all major leisure and commercial establishments in the city. The property will have well-appointed rooms, two large banquets, 4 meeting and conference rooms, a 24 Hours Coffee Shop, a rooftop open sky restaurant and in-house laundry. The new property will be operational from November 2023.

Announcing the signing, Atul Upadhyay, Senior Vice President, Pride Hotels Group said, “We are delighted to sign the Pride Hotel Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh largest city and epicentre of commercial and industrial establishments in the State. Tourist attractions in Kanpur give visitors the chance to see things that aren't as glamorous as those in bigger cities. Kanpur receives frequent business travelers and other working professionals due to its industrial environment. Leisure tourists visit Kanpur to learn about Indian history in the most ideal setting”.

“With the signing of "Pride Hotel Kanpur" in Uttar Pradesh, we are thrilled to further expand operations in North India. Once it is up and running, the new hotel will provide the best possible accommodations for travellers thanks to its excellent location, mouthwatering menu options, banqueting, and a variety of hospitality services”, said Mohammed Shoeb, Associate Vice President, North India. 

Fortune Hotels expands its footprint in Siliguri

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group today announced signing of a new property in Siliguri, West Bengal. Situated at a 15 min drive from the Siliguri airport, the upscale ‘Fortune Select’ hotel is surrounded by breath-taking views of majestic tea gardens and mountains. 

Set to open in December 2025, the new picturesque hotel will offer 120 stylish well-appointed rooms with incomparable enchanting views from its confines.  Strategically located on Sevoke road, the new growth corridor of Siliguri, the hotel will also enjoy enviable connectivity as it will have direct access to the main Eastern Bypass Road.

Together with an all-day diner, a specialty fine dine restaurant, a trendy bar, large banquets and a swimming pool, the contemporary hotel is sure to turn into a coveted hotspot for city residents and the business and leisure travellers alike.

Commenting on Fortune Hotel’s India expansion spree Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Hotels said ‘With the Siliguri signing we further our footprint into the East. This is a greenfield project and our third hotel in the State of West Bengal.  Siliguri is also the gateway to the Northeast of India and a high potential and untapped market for the hospitality sector as well as our guests who will soon have an opportunity to experience the Northeast with us via this route. We excited to note the prospects that we can explore with this new signing to our portfolio.’

Siliguri has always been a city of importance in West Bengal for it connects the Northeast to the Indian mainland and is a major trading hub of the region. Known for its timber, teas and tourism, and its accessibility to Jalpiguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong,  it is needless to say that the destination rates very high on guest travel wish lists.

Six Senses Tel Aviv to Open in the Iconic Golden Triangle, Preserving Five Historical Gems in a Modern City Buzzing with Life and Energy

DELHI – January 2023 – On the sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv is a city of contrasts, blending vibrant nightlife and classic art, Bauhaus and skyscrapers, and heritage and innovation, the latter ranking second only to Silicon Valley in terms of its start-up ecosystem. Nowhere else, therefore, will Six Senses Tel Aviv feel more at home, with its mix of five 110-year-old preservation buildings and sophisticated LEED Platinum sustainability standards for the new tower.

The original five buildings date back to 1909 – the early days of Tel Aviv as the world now knows it –and are the best remaining heritage of the Ahuzat Bayit settlement, the first in the city. They will be joined together at the edge of Rothschild Boulevard to stretch across an entire city block between the prestigious Rothschild, Herzel, and Lilienblum Streets. Together they are considered the largest and most important preservation project in Tel Aviv.

Six Senses Tel Aviv is an exciting addition to the brand’s Israel portfolio following the 2021 opening of Six Senses Shaharut, a sustainable haven set in the honeycomb dunes of the Negev Desert.

Rothschild 10 Tower

The heritage buildings define the base and roots of the modern 42-floor tower. Once complete, it will house the 10-floor, 140-key Six Senses hotel, and 55 stylish and comfortable residences, rising a further 21 floors and serviced by Six Senses.

Completing the offering will be:

• State-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities over two floors, including a Holistic Anti-Aging Center overlooking the heritage garden.

• Six Senses Place, a new kind of social and wellness community with dedicated space for reflection, growth, and reconnection.

• A sky pool on the 17th floor housing a cocktail lounge with a panoramic view of the Gush Dan area.

• A chef’s restaurant, café, and bar.

• Diverse public spaces, including the elegant lobby atrium, serve as a plaza between the preserved buildings to welcome guests into a journey through time.

Commenting on the brand’s second opening in Israel, Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs said, “Tel Aviv is one of the most happening cities in the world right now. To understand it, you have to experience it, from its innovation hub to its creative and arts scene, its café culture, and its ingenious Israeli chefs. It is enormously exciting to have the chance to not only be part of this city but to lay our foundation stone next to its foundation stone. We’re building the vision for Six Senses Tel Aviv together with Tidhar Group, one of the leading Israeli real estate groups, which means we have passion and purpose running through the property, from the pioneering wellness programming at Six Senses Place to your Sabich served by the sky pool. Six Senses Tel Aviv joins our urban hotels in Istanbul and soon-to-be-opened Rome, with London, Bangkok, Dubai, Lisbon, and Kyoto coming in the next two years.”

Gil Geva, Tidhar Group Chairperson, added, “Six Senses Tel Aviv, based on LEED Platinum standards, will be the first of its kind in Israel, setting a new standard for real estate development. The preservation project for the five historic buildings is among the most ambitious and complicated in the city, and the property itself calls for one of the most complex engineering projects currently underway in Israel. Together, they reveal Tel Aviv’s unique story, history beside innovation and a vibrant lifestyle. We are thrilled to have signed the agreement with Six Senses, whose values correspond with our vision at Tidhar. The group represents and promotes advanced approaches to service, sustainability and wellness, alongside an uncompromising standard of quality and excellence.”

The project was initiated by Tidhar Group and joined by Ziv Aviram, one of Israel’s leading entrepreneurs, in 2020. He stated, “For me, the decision to partner with Tidhar Group created a special opportunity to be part of this unique and exciting project, enriching the city with the best standards of management, planning, execution, and construction quality. With Six Senses managing the hotel, I am confident it will offer an exceptional experience for guests and residents.”

Conservation and Modern Construction as One Single Effort

Overlooking Rothschild Boulevard to the North, the city of Tel Aviv to the East, the picturesque Neve Tzedek and the sea to the West, and the Jaffa Cliff to the South, Six Senses Tel Aviv has its sights on the future without forgetting the past. This ethos forms the design brief for the planned preservation works, which will be overseen by Preservation Architects Amnon Bar-Or Architects and Preservation Structural Engineer Yaron Gal.

“Architecture is a practical way of telling a story, and this story, is an exciting one to tell,” says lead architect Rani Ziss from the eponymous Tel Aviv-based architecture firm. “The original elements in the historic structures have been defined to best preserve them, while the compound is viewed as a whole and integral part of the urban renewal project, with maximum consideration of the unique needs of every modern city complex.”

Interiors by Orly Shrem will connect a contemporary, layered approach with an uncompromising international character as part of a timeless design that will capture the city’s unique character and coast. This connection is expressed in classic and clean lines. Spaces are designed using natural materials and soft, warm colors that naturally integrate with the environment and create a homelike and elegant atmosphere.

White City

In 2003, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed Tel Aviv's White City a World Cultural Heritage site as “an outstanding example of new town planning and architecture in the early 20th century”. Thanks to its unique atmosphere, central garden, eclectic, fashionable, and luxurious mix of dining and shopping attractions, a wide selection of leisure and sports activities, beaches and bars, movie theatres, museums, and cultural and historical centers, it draws locals and tourists alike.

Within the White City, the expansive, tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard is known as the heart of Tel Aviv and a signature of success and well-being with many new high-end residential apartments and commercial towers.

Slated to open in late 2025, the prime location of Six Senses Tel Aviv will immerse guests into the eclectic appeal of Tel Aviv’s city life, all from the comforts of their sumptuous residence or hotel suite. It will also serve as an entry point to explore many regional wonders, including Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and the brand’s second Israeli property, Six Senses Shaharut.

The deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

About Six Senses
Six Senses operates 20 hotels and resorts in 17 countries and has signed a further 34 properties into the development pipeline. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses serves as a changemaker and maintains a leadership commitment to community, sustainability, emotional hospitality, wellness, and crafted experiences, infused with a touch of quirkiness. Whether an exquisite island resort, mountain retreat, or urban hotel, the vision remains the same: to reawaken people’s senses, so they feel the purpose behind their travels and ultimately reconnect with themselves, others, and the world around them.

Six Senses Residences offers all the unique amenities of a resort life community while retaining the privacy and personal touches of a beautifully appointed private villa or apartment. Each is an appreciating long-term investment to be cherished for generations to come with immediate benefits and exclusive status at other resorts worldwide.

Six Senses Spas guides guests on their personal path to well-being in all resorts as well as a handful of standalone spas. The high-tech and high-touch approach goes beyond ordinary beauty treatments to offer holistic wellness, integrative medicine, and longevity.

Figures as at September 30, 2022